In May, a group dedicated to reducing exposure to secondhand smoke, released a list of nearly 80 smoke-free restaurants in the city. The number released by Fair Air reflected an increase of about 10 establishments over the previous year.

"Just about four years ago, there was less than a dozen, so it's pretty rapidly changing," said Diann Darnall, community educator for Fair Air.

Four more Fairbanks businesses, including longtime eateries and a new buffet, recently joined the cause.

Advocates say the effort is to protect diners and employees from secondhand fumes.